Frequently Asked Questions

Mostly it takes caring and compassion for humankind and a strong science background.
Critical thinking and dedication are essential to completing the course of study.

How long will it take for me to become a Registered Nurse?

The face-to-face program is designed to be completed in two years (four regular semesters)
once the prerequisites are completed. The LVN Transition hybrid track takes 12 months
once the prerequisites are completed (admission March 1 for fall only).

What prerequisites are required?

A student must have completed BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402, BIOL 2420 and PSYC 2301 before
entering the face-to-face nursing program (clinicals). The LVN Transition hybrid students
must have all seven academic courses in the ADN curriculum completed for prerequisites.
One or two prerequisite courses may be "in progress" when the application is submitted.

What are the ADN program's student achievement outcome levels?

Outcome

Benchmark

2014-15

2015-16

2016-17

Graduation rate face-to-face (on time)

60%

25%

17.98%

41.03%

Graduation rate face-to-face (150% time)

70%

33.75%

43.82%

65.38%*

PONE Graduation rate (150% time)

70%

33.33%

70%

71.43%

LVN-RN Transition rate (on time)

70%

NA

NA

65.22%*

NCLEX pass rate

90%

95.83%

92.59%

94.12%

Job Placement

95%

99%

100%

100%

*indicates incomplete data

What is HESI A2?

HESI A2 is an admissions placement test. Prospective students must register for and
take the HESI A2 test in order to be ranked for admission. You must take the HESI
A2 before having a mentoring appointment to receive an application.

The HESI A2 consists of three parts: Reading, Grammar, and Math and all three parts
must be taken at the same time

The test MAY NOT be taken more than twice and all three parts must be taken at the
same time

Bring a photo ID and a pencil on the day of the test - no book bags, purses, cell
phones, or calculators will be allowed at the testing station

Because you are only allowed to take the HESI A2 twice, if you are not successful the first time, you need to take your time and ensure
you are ready for the second test (only your first two times will be used in the admission
process). We recommend the following:

Take College Algebra if you did not pass the Math section

Take College English (1301 and/or 1302) if you did not pass the Reading Comprehension
section

Take a speed reading course or other tutoring such as Weaver or Lumosity using the
study guide for the HESI A2

How much does the program cost?

Costs include regular tuition and fees plus some additional fees, uniforms, and lots
of books. An estimate of the cost of fees, and supplies can be obtained from the department.
Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid since there are many sources of
support for nursing students these days.

Will I be able to work while in nursing school?

The decision to work is a personal one. Students spend approximately 20 hours per
week in classes/clinicals each semester. For each hour in class per week, experts
recommend two hours of study time. Even though many students work part-time, you are
encouraged to consider your time allotments carefully in order to be successful.

How do the clinicals for LVN Transition hybrid work?

The clinicals for the LVN Transition hybrid track are held on weekends (between 6 am Friday and 11:30 pm Sunday) and sometimes on M-Th from 3-11pm. Students will have some weekends off but the
schedule is set by the instructor. You should keep your weekends available until the schedule is set. They are conducted
within a 70 mile radius of Carthage and cannot be held outside of our contracted facilities.
The LVN Transition hybrid program starts one time per year in August and lasts for
12 months.

Transferring from other colleges:

Who needs a "letter of good standing"?

If you attended another professional (RN or VN) nursing program, you will need to
have the Director of that Program send a letter of good standing to the Dean of Nursing
at Panola College (820 W. Panola St., Carthage, TX 75633) to be placed with your application.

What if I have failed out of another nursing program?

If you failed two nursing classes at ANY nursing program, you must wait three years
and earn an LVN or related degree before you can apply to the nursing program at Panola
College.

What courses transfer from other colleges?

In Texas, all community colleges have a common course numbering plan, so the prerequisite
course numbers will be identical. If you have not failed any nursing courses and wish
to transfer into the nursing program, you will need to contact the Dean of Nursing
to review your courses.

What courses transfer from Louisiana Colleges? See chart below:

ADN – TRANSFER FROM LOUISIANA COLLEGES TO PANOLA

The semester of acceptance into the program determines the program requirements. It
is the responsibility of the student to keep apprised of current graduation requirements.
Courses with a lab must be taken with the course and lab in the same semester at the
same school. This chart is subject to change without notice. The Panola College Admission office
has the final say in all transfer work.

Panola College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees and certificates of completions. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Panola College.

Panola College is an Equal Opportunity Institution that provides educational and employment opportunities on the basis of merit and without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or genetic information.

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